I’d like to make one thing clear: moving efficiently in the mountains can embrace taking in the views, eyeing an old-growth hemlock tree, and simply immersing oneself in slow, deep-breath skinning. It can also involve using gear and transition methods, as well as all sorts of navigational shortcuts, to make better time. It’s a balance. For those on either end of the efficiency spectrum, the too slow or too fast, you know your preferred packs. A massive 45- to 50-liter ski pack might be the go-to for just about any tour. For those aspiring to Cam Smith’s quick transitions, a small pack (call it 15 liters +/-) with the bare essentials might be your ticket to ride. But in that sweet-spot-middle of packs, where a balance of efficiency and preparedness shines, there’s the Black Diamond Cirque Ultra 25 ski pack. 25 liters, to use a term converted to a verb that Oliver uses to pack precious items, as in “to tetris,” can be an ideal pack size. Ideally, I have enough room to organize gear, access it, and not bust seams or stress zippers.
Read the BD Cirque Ultra 25 Ski Pack First Look.
Most winters, read as in normal winters with cold temps and ample snow, I use an Apocalypse Equipment ski pack. Gavin calls it a 27-liter pack with an extra 10 liters if one fills the roll top. (I find the roll top great for stashing my helmet.) This winter hasn’t really felt like winter, and as such, I’m packing a bit less voluminous clothing. Which, in turn, allows me to use a smaller pack, but not by much, evidently. Enter BD’s Cirque Ultra 25.
I’ll call this a hybrid skimo pack built with more structural integrity than a typical ultralight skimo pack. The Cirque Ultra 25 is more than sufficient for big days in real mountains while carrying big skis. And because this winter hasn’t felt so much like winter, I’ve used it on all but a few tours. (I’ll get to what I’m stashing in this svelte and sweet-looking pack in a bit.)
The “ultra” in the name derives from the use of Challenge Sailcloth UltraWeave™ 200d and 400d fabric. This is a UHMWPE/polyester fabric, a Dyneema relative, marketed as a lighter yet more durable fabric than less expensive pack fabrics. You will save a few grams compared to the same pack in 210D nylon fabric with a Dynex grid, which BD states is 860g-870g. The Ultra version has a claimed weight of 850g…so yes, a few less grams, and weatherproof fabric for the UltraWeave version.
Durability
While the Ultra pack has proven, generally, to be durable, one caveat I have is to be aware of how your skis sit against the Ultra fabric when using the ski carry. Early on, while carrying some 1400g skis (so not skimo lightweight), either a binding or ski edge wore a hole through the Ultra fabric. I patched the hole (see the patch lower down in the review), but after that, I became more diligent about checking how my skis carried across the pack before launching it onto my shoulders. Potential abrasion seems to be a non-issue if you carry a pair of skis on the side of the pack. (The skimo carry is set up for skis to run left to right—from tail to tip–or rest on the left, as shown in the photo.) Otherwise, after a full season of use, I’ve had no issues with zipper stress failure or fabric abrasion beyond what I have already mentioned.
All told, the zippers, housing, and seams/sew job appear to be set up for long-term durability. I am a bit concerned about the ski-edge ski-binding interface rubbing against the UL fabric when shouldering skis. I may add some form of tape (see photo) as a preventive measure to spots I see as prone to abrasion, as I expect I’ll be carrying my skis more on the pack this spring. And frankly, I like this pack, so I want it to last.
Sizing
The old Cirque 22 Vest, a precursor to the 25-L version, came in three sizes: S, M, and L. The medium was the sweet spot for me; I’m 5’10” and filling out, but somewhat on the slim side. The Cirque Ultra 25 comes in two sizes: S/M and M/L. Finding the large on the old version way too large for my torso, I went with the S/M in the updated Ultra version. The fit is spot on. It is very comfortable. The minimalist waist belt and two chest/sternum straps sit nicely on the bod.
The only issue I have is with the quick-clip tab on the right shoulder strap used for the skimo-style ski carry system. The quick-clip tab (see photo) sits pretty high on the shoulder strap for me. So when I am clipping the strap for the diagonal ski carry system, it’s tough for me to see it and clip it, as it sits outside my peripheral vision. I can feel for the tab, which is my go-to method at this point, but it’s a bit of a pain. I assume the tab slits a bit lower on the M/L size, but then, I also assume, I would not have the perfect fit that the S/M has afforded me. Anyway, this is just a small gripe regarding the integration of the ski carry system on the S/M. I also understand that with the ample vest-style pockets on the shoulder straps, the contact points for the ski carry must sit above and out of the way of the right vest zipper pocket.
Functionality
In a word, the Cirque Ultra 25’s functionality is near perfect. It has a full side zip that is contoured at the bottom to open up more of the pack’s side, so one can access or stash skins or ski crampons on the go. The rolltop is classic rolltop, as in well-built and providing a wide-mouthed opening to access stashed gear near the pack’s top section. One can also access a small internal zippered ditty pouch. The clips and hooks for securing the rolltop are also large enough to open and secure with gloves on, something I’ve struggled with on some ultralight packs.
The other highlight of the pack’s functionality is its volume; at 25 liters, it is in a sweet spot. I have carried compact crampons, ski crampons, a real deal first-aid kit, a liter of water, large spare gloves, a Das Light puffy, food, an extra baselayer (top), a repair kit, an inREACH Mini, avalanche rescue tools, all with some room to spare. On a -17-degree day, I replaced the Das Light with a Patagonia Durable Down jacket (not exactly a small down piece), and found the side zipper unstressed and easy to close. I even stuffed a Patagonia GVII down jacket (this is no wallflower of a jacket) into the lower compartment.
Still, the pack, with modest weights, carries great, despite the minimalist waist belt and lack of loadlifters. When carrying larger skis in the ski carry system, I do feel the pack’s weight shift a bit to one side.
The vest-style pockets are zippered, so your softflask, if that is your scene (which it is mine), should likely fit. I noted in the first look some softflask specs that I felt fit better than others. Have no fear, the pockets are sized to fit a phone and food; just remember to keep your transceiver in a pant pocket if you are stashing your phone in a vest pocket. If you are brining an axe along, this ski vest is outfitted with pick pockets, dogbones, and shock cord to haul two tools externally.
I also want to be clear: I have a bias toward packs with a basic side zip, a roll top, and, when possible, the ability to carry a soft flask and nutrition in vest-style pocket(s). The Cirque Ultra 25 meets these benchmarks. And, as some know, I am a sucker for sweet-looking UL-style fabrics. So, as weak as this might be, this vest-style pack checks that box.
As far as the avalanche-tool pocket, which sits on the front exterior, I have had no problem fitting a BD’s Transfer LT shovel, Mammut Alugator Light shovel, or a Mammut 320 (cm) speed lock probe. Lastly, there is an easy-access zip pocket for small items (headlamp, etc.,) that sits at the top of the back panel.
The helmet carry is nice because it tucks away in its own nest pocket when not in use. This makes for a clean design and eliminates the need to unclip the helmet carry’s four corners and then stash it somewhere.
It is my sense that BD made big leaps regarding fit and functionality relative to their first go at a ski vest in the Cirque 22, which I know some THR folks still love. Over the last few years, too, BD has evolved its running-pack offerings with its high-quality, functional Distance series. These include running packs ranging from 8L to 22L. The Cirque Ultra 25 piggybacks on the Distance pack’s design DNA, resulting in a minimal yet functional design.
The only upside to this not-so-cold, not-so-snowy winter is my reliance on a smaller pack with less cold-weather clothing. In the Cirque Ultra 25 ski vest, which feels more like a pack with some ski vest attributes, I’ve found a waterproof pack that is supremely comfortable, with just enough features to make packing and accessing items simple and manageable.
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